I have this idea I need hours to write, with no interruptions, whether it is a novel or a short story: time to revisit the story, get into the main character’s head, go deep emotionally. But it’s not possible to find that much time every day. I decided to try a “short writing” approach, just as I have tried a “short yoga” approach, that is, to write each day for thirty minutes and contain each session to that amount of time. Keep it straightforward, uncomplicated, easier to approach.

For months, I’ve kept a post-it note on my desk that says: “write in clusters.” I’ve been hoping that notion would sink in, but I’ve hung on to the idea of a longer time requirement to write anything “good,” even though I’ve produced a lot of good material by writing to prompts, numerous times, for just thirty minutes. Why couldn’t I begin my novel this way: Write for thirty minutes, in clusters of paragraphs, and see if that inspires me to write more? I tried it and found a short period of writing every day exercises the muscle and gets the story out of my head, onto the page. Then, more writing follows, writing that is fun and good, and simply enjoyable again, which is the reason I write.

This daily approach to thirty minute spots of writing isn’t a long-term plan. It’s a way to ease off and listen to my deeper self, find the story that is worthy. Try it for a week or two. You might be surprised at what emerges.